Fisterra

Fisterra (Finisterre in Spanish) is a 4,701 inhabitants municipality located in what was thought to be the point westernmost of Galicia and of Spain and the end of the world in Roman times (despite Cabo da Roca in Portugal is the truly westernmost point of the European continent). Moreover Fisterra is the last stop for pilgrims of the Way of St. James, in an optional 3-4 days trip.

How do I arrive to Fisterra?

  Fisterra isn't quite well connected to other points of Galicia but it can still be reached from the biggest cities in A Coruña province. 

• Bus: there are 5-6 buses everyday from Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra (aprox. 3 hours) via Noia (aprox. 2 hours 15 minutes) and Muros (aprox. 1 hour 15 minutes). There are also daily buses from A Coruña reaching Finisterre (aprox. 2 hours). 
• Car: if you rented a car, it's 30 minutes from Muxía, 50 minutes from Camariñas, 1 hour journey from Noia and Muros, 1 hour 15 minutes from A Coruña and 1 hour 20 minutes journey from Santiago de Compostela.

History

Fisterra has always attracted the attention of geographers and historians as it was considered finis terrae (Land's End). In the area the pre-Roman settlement of Villar Vello has been discovered but it hasn't been explored yet. According to Roman sources in this point there was a pagan temple consagrated to the Sun and the parish of Duyo has archaelogical remains of a former Roman town, probably Dugium. From Middle Age Fisterra became an important point of pilgrimage linked to the Way of St. James, being an optional continuation of the pilgrimage that lasts 3 days.

What can I visit in Fisterra?

 Fisterra is a very charming area and for many visitors its atmosphere makes it feel like a special place. Its sunsets are among the best ones in Galicia. 
These are Fisterra' main attractions:

• St. Carlos Castle (11-14 and 16-18 Mon-Sat, 11-14 Sun from Jul to Aug; 11:30-13:30 and 15:30-18:30 Sat-Sun from Sep to Jun; 2€): 18th century castle built to defend the ria de Corcubión in Charles III of Spain times and which was destroyed during the Peninsular War. Nowadays it hosts the Fishing Museum, small museum focused in sardine fishing.
• St. María das Areas Church (11-13:30 and 16:30-19 from Jun to Sep; closed from Oct to Apr; free): 12th century Romanesque style church which was very popular between pilgrims as the last stop of the Way of St. James. During Easter here it takes place a representation of Jesus Christ' via crucis by locals.
• In Fisterra there are many beaches that are very nice (although its water is cold) like Langosteira Beach (the most beautiful one), Mar de Fóra Beach (perfect for surfers) or O Rostro Beach. These are some of the most popular ones but in the road from Cee to Fisterra there are many of them.
• Cape Fisterra: the place that gives the name of the town and what makes it popular is this cape full of cliffs, where the sea seems to have no end. Here stands the most important lighthouse of the Costa da Morte, Cape Fisterra Lighthouse, a 18th century lighthouse whose building also has temporary expositions.
• Fisterra Seafood Market (16-20 Mon-Fri; 1€ in case there's someone controlling, otherwise free): this seafood market (lonxa in Galician and lonja in Spanish) is perfect to see how fishermen sell their products in an auction.
• Not far from Fisterra (12 km) there's the village of Corcubión, declared conjunto histórico in 1985, a beautiful place to have a walk. A bit further, in the way to Muros and Noia, can be found the fervenza do Ézaro (Ézaro waterfall), photogenic point where the river Ézaro flows into the sea with a waterfall. There's a viewpoint near where getting great views of it and of the area.

Langosteira Beach

View of the town of Fisterra

Virxe da Barca sancturary

From Fisterra to Malpica de Bergantiños it can be done the Camino dos Faros, an awesome 200 km long trail by the seaside. Along this route there are several places that are worth a visit such a Galician traiditional town called Camariñas, 5,322 people, very linked to fishing. Here it can be found the Lace Museum, a museum linked to this ancient cloth art. Continuing 25 km in the road the visitor reaches Muxía (Mugía in Spanish, a 4,736 inhabitants town in the middle of Costa da Morte. The most interesting points to visit are Virxe da Barca Sanctuary (church built in a place where St. James was preaching and Virgin Mary appeared and asked him to back to Jerusalem; the current building dates back to the 18th century), the lighthouse or Moraime Monastery (12th century Romanesque style church and monastery built on a Roman cementery). The nearest interesting sightseeing point to Fisterra is Cape Touriñán and its lighthouse, Cape Touriñán Lighthouse, the real westernmost point in Spain.

Where can I eat in Fisterra?

Despite its small population Fisterra is quite touristic so there's a wide gastronomic offer, always linked to seafood and fish. Some suggestions to eat here are the cheap bars Mirarmar (Paseo Ribeira 22) or A Galeria (Rúa Real 25); other recommendations for a higher prize are Casa Velay (Rúa Cerca 14), Don Percebe (Rúa Alcalde Fernández 8), Ó Fragón (Lugar San Martiño de Arriba 22) or Tira do Cordel (Lugar San Roque 2).

Posted in: Europe,Galicia,Spain